Despite averaging more than 14 goals a game this season, Fremantle’s small forward line is yet to fire.

Stylish forwards Hayden Ballantyne and Michael Walters have kicked a combined eight goals this season.

Ballantyne missed two rounds due to suspension, after a high bump against Geelong’s Harry Taylor in Round 2, and has bagged three goals from three appearances.

Walters has booted five goals in five games.

Senior coach Ross Lyon said there was improvement to come from the goal sneaks but they were both travelling well.

Calibre goes up

“Hayden missed a couple…we back him in again,” he said.

“Walters, I think has been pretty good.

“There is some upside there, no doubt.”

With Fremantle’s tall forwards such as Matthew Pavlich and Chris Mayne in good form and the midfield hitting the scoreboard too, in-form small forwards will make for an extra potent offence.

Mayne back to his best

Lyon said goals were not the only measurement used to gauge the success of forwards.

“It’s not just about kicking goals but seeing (the team) kick goals,” he said.

“We’ve got plenty of improvement in us.”

Fremantle play Essendon at Domain Stadium Saturday 9 May.

Match preview

Bounce down is at 6.10pm.